Germany Faces Questions Over $5B in Untouched Bitcoin Linked to Movie2K
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Arkham claims 45,000 BTC tied to piracy site still remains in wallets
German authorities may have overlooked a massive trove of over 45,000 Bitcoin connected to the defunct piracy platform Movie2K, according to new findings from crypto intelligence firm Arkham. The stash, valued at nearly $5 billion, could rival the record seizure made last year but has so far remained untouched.
Billions in Bitcoin still unclaimed
In January 2024, German investigators seized nearly 50,000 BTC from suspects allegedly involved in operating Movie2K. That amount was sold in mid-2024 for around $2.8 billion, just months before Bitcoin prices nearly doubled.
Arkham now says another 45,060 BTC “still remains in wallets belonging to Movie2K,” spread across more than 100 addresses. These coins, dormant since 2019, were not part of the government’s previous asset sale.
“This is most likely still under the control of the Movie2K operators. It has not moved since 2019,” Arkham noted.
We found another cluster of Bitcoin connected to earlier Movie2K movements and addresses that totals approximately 45,000 BTC (currently worth $4.99B).
This is most likely still under the control of the Movie2K operators. It has not moved since 2019, and is split across over…
Prosecutors defended the decision to sell seized Bitcoin quickly, citing German laws that require volatile assets to be liquidated to avoid significant losses. At the time, sales were executed at an average price of $57,900 per Bitcoin. By late 2024, the cryptocurrency had surged past $100,000, which would have nearly doubled the government’s returns.
The potential additional $5 billion in untouched BTC highlights what some critics call a missed opportunity for Germany’s treasury.
Legal hurdles remain
If authorities attempt to seize the newly identified holdings, they face a major legal challenge. Local laws require prosecutors to prove that the Bitcoin is directly tied to illicit activities before any seizure can be enforced. Even if proven, investigators would still need to identify and compel the transfer of control from the wallets’ operators.
The revelation raises questions about whether Germany could soon pursue another large-scale seizure, or whether the funds will remain beyond reach. For now, the cluster of wallets linked to Movie2K remains untouched—leaving billions of dollars in Bitcoin in legal and technical limbo.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.
